It was 8 in the morning. The bus had just reached Manali after an overnight journey from Delhi. Abhinav was among the 50-odd passengers who alighted from the bus. Gazing at the snowy peaks, the 24-year-old felt exuberant to start a new chapter of his life.
He took a taxi to the Mountain Bike Club where he was all set to join as a new member. But while he gazed outside the window and marvelled at the sight of tall pine trees, he played that argument with his parents at the back of his mind.
They wanted him to join their family business but Abhinav’s heart was in the mountains. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t convince them of his dreams. Frustrated, he left his home one day after a bitter fallout.
Nestled in nature, Abhinav didn’t take much time to settle in the rhythm of his new life. Every day was a new adventure. Training, getting know-how of the routes and trails, and engaging with his new comrades—he felt right at home.
Abhinav was taken aback. He hadn’t been in touch with his family for months
One day, after a daily meet-up at the club, he went up to Suresh, to ask some questions. Suresh was a 35-year-old man, who had devoted the last 10 years to the club. A jolly character, he was seen as a mentor for rookie bikers. But that day Suresh seemed to be in a hurry. “Can we discuss tomorrow? I have to rush home now.”
“I hope everything is alright, sir,” Abhinav asked concernedly.
“Oh yes, actually my younger brother is back home after many years,” Suresh responded.
“Was he living in a different city?” Abhinav was curious.
“You can say that. Actually, he had run away from home to become an actor. My father was against it,” Suresh said with a sigh.
“But now he is coming home on his birthday. I can’t wait to see him,” he said. “We may have differences but family is family.”
Abhinav was taken aback. He hadn’t been in touch with his family for months. He wouldn’t respond to their calls or messages. Nor did he reach out to them.
But today was different. Suresh’s words echoed in his mind as he texted his mom after months: “Mom. I am okay. I miss you.”